what is the meaning of down's syndrome ?

Answer 1

I agree with Ross. Down syndrome is not a disease. It is a random genetic disorder caused by triplication of Chromosome 21. It causes developmental delays, low muscle tone, and children born with Down syndrome may have certain associated medical problems such a a heart defect (which in most cases is repairable).

My son has Down syndrome and he is the biggest joy of my life!

Answer 2

Down’s Syndrome is a disease that results from abnormalities of our chromosomes. Chromosomes are little strands of proteins that contain all our genetic material (also known as our genes). The genes are what make us what we are: how we look, how tall we are, the color of our hair and eyes. Almost every cell in our body has 46 chromosomes. These can be divided into 23 pairs. Twenty-three chromosomes come from each of your parents. Notice I said “almost” every cell. There are certain cells that only contain 23 chromosomes. In women, these are found in the eggs. In men, these are in the sperm. Eggs and sperm are produced by a process of cell division call “meiosis.” Essentially one parent cell with 46 chromosomes divides into two cells with 23 chromosomes.
In the vast majority of cases, everything goes well. Sometimes, however, things go wrong. An error called “nondisjunction” can occur. Nondisjunction means that instead of the parent cell splitting into two cells with 23 chromosomes, one pair of chromosomes does not split. So one cell will only have 22 chromosomes, while the other will have 24. Chromosomes are named based on a numbering system from one to 23. In Down’s Syndrome, the chromosome 21 does not separate properly in the parent cells. An egg or sperm cell will then have 24 rather than the usual 23 chromosomes (the extra being on number 21). When this cell unites with another sperm or egg at fertilization, the cells will have three chromosomes at chromosome pair 21. The medical term for this is Trisomy 21. (The prefix “tri” refers to three, just like in triangle.)
People with Down’s Syndrome often have a characteristic appearance. This can include a slightly flattened face, with a small nose and sunken nasal bridge, an upward slant to the eyes and an enlarged tongue. Additionally, there may be an unusual shape to the ears, an ability to excessively extend the joints (especially the fingers) and only one crease on the palms of the hands (people without Down’s have several). However, not everyone with Down’s will have all these characteristics, and people without the syndrome may also have them. The cause of this appearance is not entirely understood. It is felt to be related to the improper development of a certain protein called collagen, which helps our skin, joints and bones to develop.
One of the most common features of Down’s Syndrome is what doctors refer to as “developmental delay.” This means that the usual milestones of development such as walking, talking, throwing a ball, etc., tend to lag behind others the same age. This seems to be directly related to the fact that those with Down’s have a slightly smaller brain size for their age. But it seems to go deeper than just brain size. Specific parts of the brain also seem to have differences. We still are not entirely clear on how all of this causes those with Down’s to develop more slowly.
Clearly, those with Down’s Syndrome have many more challenges than those without this syndrome. In addition to delays in development of intelligence, they often have other physical ailments such as heart problems, weakened neck muscles and an increase in such diseases as hypothyroidism. (This is a malfunction of the thyroid gland, which sits at the base of your throat.) Hope this helps

Answer 3

You are the best example of down syndrome...

Answer 4

It's not a disease. My daughter has a condition known as Down's Syndrome. She has certain difficulties and is a vulnerable adult but she certainly doesn't suffer from it!